WAYNE- Deborah A. (Dignard) Benning, 65, passed away at home with her loving family at her side following a lengthy illness. She is the loving partner to Alan D. Richards with whom she shared 17 years of love and true friendship. Deb was born June 13, 1957, in Amesbury, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of the late Roger and Elizabeth (Knowles) Dignard. She grew up in Salisbury, Massachusetts and has resided in Maine for the past 25 years. She worked as a Telephone Operator for Stericycle for many years. Deborah fostered over 200 children over the years. She will always be remembered as a loving, caring person who brought so much sunshine to so many people. She was also a member of the auxiliary at the American Legion Post #40 Winthrop. She enjoyed camping, cooking, reading and a "good cup of tea!". In addition to her loving devoted life companion Alan, she is survived by her children Shayne Benning of Lewiston, Joshua Benning of York, Christopher Benning of Lewiston, Kevin Benning of Lewiston, Kayani Benning of Waldoboro and Christina Benning of Lewiston. Her brothers Roger Dignard, Jr. and Edmond Dignard both of Florida. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, Alan's parents Sherwood and Dawn Richards of Farmingdale as well as many nieces and nephews. Deborah's visiting hours will be in the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St. Winthrop on Saturday, September 3, 2022, from 2-4 PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. There will be a private family burial in the Maine Avenue Cemetery, Farmingdale at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be made to the Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pethaven Lane, Augusta, ME, 04330. Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St. Winthrop, where condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com